Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Although
that man has claimed he will be announcing plans on the future of the
S-league in the coming days, if not weeks, I am not interested or
excited not just because I have grown awry of his words and promises but
rather he is showing symptoms of a leadership style I will call 'Final
year' syndrome.

This
is defined by me as one who try to build a legacy in his final few
moment of that administration but which will fail due to lack of time or
successors.

I am that negative as examples are abound of such administration style.

The
current economic crisis affecting United States was due to years of US
presidents putting off the need to bring down their deficits and leaving
it to their successors.

One can trace it all the way back to the 1990s, when then-USA President Bill
Clinton having build a surplus, after the deficits years of the 1980s
under Regan and Bush, did not go on to tackle the deficits problem that
was already building up until his final year.

At
the point, he finally unveiled a plan to bring down the bulging deficit
within a decade but of course we now know what happen after that.

By
pushing the problem until then, and to the next generation, Bill
Clinton did not solve a problem that was still under control.

He
was only seeking a solution at that point as he needed to build a
legacy and yet not wanting to suffer the consequences of his action, the
time frame was way after he is long gone from office.

That is no solution and even in Singapore, we see traces of it.

During
the recent General Election, transportation issues was one of the topic
that pop up after a sizeable increase in Singapore population.

The
claims was there was a lack of foresight as the problem is now not
expected to be resolve until years from now but it was not so for back
in 2000, there was already a Master Plan to deal with that.

It
was unveiled by then-Minister of Communications and Information
Technology (It was not called Ministry of Transport yet) Mah Bow Tan and
had taken into account the abilities of Singapore transport system to
take in a sizeable population.

If the Master Plan had gone to plan, many of the transport system (still building) will be in place by now, was it not so.

Yet Yeo Cheow Tong and then Raymond Lim, who took over, had their own plans as they wanted to build their own legacy, not Mah Bow Tan ones.

Yeo
Cheow Tong was occupied dealing with the Free Air Agreement with other
nations Ministry while Raymond Lim time saw him changing and chopping
the Public Transport Council makeup and it role.

In a decade, there was not a single railway opening so our transport system was sterile.

Of
course, the Nicoll Highway collapse delayed any action but the truth,
even if it had gone to plan, the process was still lower than
anticipated in the Master Plan; which we are seeing now.

Indeed
in the next decade, Singapore will have two (and even three if we count
the Johore line which is in discussion) more new lines opening in
addition to the Circle Lines so we have build and finish three (or again
four) in 10 years when we build no transport lines in the decade
precessing it.

A result of a plan released by a Minister that was never en-tasked to look after it.

Then the answer must be to appoint a successor who think likewise.

But the question is will any successor, like in the USA election back in 2000 which even if a Democratic had won,
follow a plan that was not of his own doing and be prepared to suffer
it consequences if it ended in failure while sharing, if not give, credits with his predecessor in success.

We all know the answer to that question.

For
a better example, across the Causeway, Malaysia longest-serving Prime
Minister Mahathir Mohamad took his own time to appoint a successor he
thought will maintain and build on his legacy but that was not the case.

However,
one cannot blamed his successor Ahmad Badawi as even a strongman
Mahathir had to leave tough problems until his final years.

Like
the bullet train line and the teaching of English, Mahathir only touch
on all these plans when he was on the verge on retirement.

The
Bullet Train Line will have 'killed' off Proton - Malaysia national
carmaker - while the teaching of English have displeased both the Malay
and the Chinese language nationalist and the government count on for
votes from both these sectors.

Now both plans are dead and buried.

All these examples have a common beginning and a common ending.

There
was a plan to tackle problems but it was only released in the final
years of the person leadership and his plan never survive long or even
die in still-birth after the person have left his post.

Now looked at our FAS President, he is releasing a plan in his final 15 months in charge, what does that that tell me.

He
is suffering from 'Final year' Syndrome as he has neither the time to
build things now nor the influence to ensure whoever is appointed by PM
Lee will follow his plan.

That
man just want to build a firewall to protect himself as he has done
virtually nothing for three years other than blow more hot air. (See
Viewpoint or Point of View menu for too many hot airs over the years to
list and new addition over the months that I have not listed)

Monday, November 14, 2011

Etoile FC have secured fifth spot after they defeated Gombak United 3-0.

Jonathan Toto notched a double with Kamel Chaaouane also contributing.

The 2010 champions also retain a chance to go up to 4th place as they are 3 points behind Albirex Niigata (S) with both having 2 games left and they are meeting each other in the next game on 25 November

As for a bottom of the table battle not to win the Wooden Spoon, TPUFC and Woodlands Wellington play to a 1-1 draw.

Patrick Paran had scored the opener in the last 10 minutes of play but it was still not enough to secure victory as the Jaguars team showed their inexperience by allowing the Rams a way back.

Korean Moon Soon Ho, brought in the mid-season transfer, showed off his value to the Northern club by coming off the bench and notching a goal thus allowing the Rams to share the points and hopefully have a chance to overtake the Jaguarsd going into their final game.

TPUFC are facing Hougang United while Woodlands Wellington will be facing Gombak United in their final game of the season.

Home United have taken a giant step toward winning the 2011 S-league crown after they defeated, soon-to-be-dethroned, Etoile FC 2-1 at Bishan Stadium.

The Protectors had achieved the victory thank to an ex-Etoile FC man, Frederic Mendy, who had scored the equaliser after Etoile FC had taken the lead through Kamel Chaaouane.

Skipper Shi Jia Yi then notched the winner to give the Protectors a 5-points lead at the top now.

And it helped that Home United challengers are falling over one another to falter as this time, it was Albirex Niigata (S) that disappointed it supporters as they were held to a 1-1 draw with Gombak United; a club Albirex had crushed 5-1 previously.

Shotaro Ihata had given the White Swans the lead but the Bulls did not give up and Obadin Aikhena notched the equaliser at the end.

Meanwhile SAFFC kept up their slim title chances, after losses to Tampines Rovers and Home United respectively, by beating Hougang United 3-1.

Mislav
Karoglan got a brace while Zulfadli Zainal Abidin contribute another in the Warriors win. Vitor Borges had scored for the Cheetahs.

In one other match.Geylang United defeated Woodlands Wellington 2-1.

Jalal had scored the goal for the Rams while Shah Hirul and Nakano Yuta got the goals for the Eagles.

Home United have taken a giant step toward winning the 2011 S-league after crushing arch-rival and challenger SAFFC 4-0 at Choa Chu Kang.

At the same time, closer rival Tampines Rovers fell 2-1 to Etoile FC to let Home United take a 2 points lead at the top.

Sherif El-Masri, who has only recently won back his place in the starting lineup of the Home United side, was the hero as he notched a brace while Firdaus Idros and Yasir Hanapi also contribute to the effort.

Jonathan Toto and Kamel Chaaouane was the Stars scorers with Ahmed Fahmie replying for the Stags.

In the Tigers match, Aussie Mark McGough showed his importance to the Tigers as he notched another 2 goals to give the Toa Poyah club their second win in 3games after going winless for nearly 3 months.

In the Cheetahs game at Hougang, Noor Ali, Carlos Delgado, Sobrie Mazelan and Jordan Webb got the goals for the home side while Cyril Bagnost, Takaya Kawanabe and Patrick Paran got the goals for the Jaguars. Mark Kevin McGough had got the winner in the Tigers game at Toa Poyah.

In the days between these games, Geylang United notched up a victory against TPUFC; defeating them 2-0.

Home United and Tampines Rovers marches on as they defeated their respective foes on the field.

Home United had defeated Courts Young Lions 2-0 - with goals from Frederic Mendy and an own goal - while Tampines impressively defeated SAFFC 3-1 at the Warriors fortress Choa Chu Kang.

The Stags goals came from Ahmed Fahmie (2) and an own goal while SAFFC sole goal came from Mislav Karoglan.

That defeat now leave the Warriors with a mountain to climb as they are now 7 points behind Tampines Rovers and 6 points behind Home United so SAFFC have to hope both teams collapsed which will be difficult.

Jordan looked set to reach the World Cup Qualifiers Final stage after they defeat Singapore 3-0 with goals from Abdallah Deeb, Anas Bani Yaseen and Ahmad Hayel.

Singapore continue to get the short stick on officiating as the Lions had a goal cancelled out which replay show should be allowed to stand.

It was not offside as the assistant referee rule.

This is the third match in a row referee decisions had gone against although one has to admit it was not as costly as the previous two matches which would have give the Lions the chance to gain points.

But this 'goal' came late in the game when Jordan was already three goals up.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

But do be honest I do not need a crystal ball to see that future as history and human nature has been a guide.

As I noted before, that man can walk away from it all so it is not even a gamble for he will not be hurt no matter the outcome in years to come and indeed he can used it for his political advantage.

After all, the Minister-in-charge-of-Muslim-Affairs, Yaacob Ibrahim, is going to be over 60 by the next GE and with only a single Ministerial post for the Malay, those below need to show something as what has that man done during his time as Mayor, labour leader or even the Malay community if one can enlight me.

Former MM Lee claimed PAP do not lies but obviously that man tell us a different story or is it as WilkLeaks files said, PAP is looking for it MPs at the bottom of the barrel with many of them second to, worse, third choice ones.

Of course, this is a blog about S-league football and not government so I will stop here about why I believe his human nature is choosing this path.

Here are the difference between the fact and the lies he told in July when he wanted his Malaysia team. (Who know there may be more but here are the starter course)

S-league matches to be played on weekend so it can played to better crowds

Now the story has totally changed and S-league will remain on weekdays and it is only his Malaysia team that get this benefit

Just to add on, no doubt he will claimed it is to avoid a clash but may I remind readers that MSL is a shorter season and start earlier so there are free weekends but no doubt not a single S-league games will be played on weekend next season for let be honest, he is asking SPOOLS to foot his bill.

It is U23 team no matter what

Now he create the world first "U28' team (where have one heard of this nonsense) and claimed it is still a development squad

No doubt the year after that, the age limit will be raise again but even Arsene Wenger do not lie to himself like that and when he buy players above 23, he admit their potential for development is not high so he want the final product for these kind of players and that is why he rarely touch such players even in the early 20s

He will not disband Courts Young Lions no matter what

Now stories are already leaking (and confirm by former S-league CEO, and partner in crime, Winston Lee in August, just a month, after his 'brave' words) Courts Young Lions will be gone so no doubt the million dollar contract is going to his team now

So much for the increase in number of young players as some of his defenders claimed as now we have less than 20 players exposed under his remaining term and he may wishfully hoped the clubs will help him out; I will said fat hope as club coaches will be under pressure to help their team win, not developed FOC players for FAS.

Increased in subsidies

Now I can tell readers I believe not a single single club will get the full amount as no doubt FAS as the tester will fail every team no matter what

Just think, if every club give up $100k, he can get nearly $1million and the PKI take up 50% of it so it is up to $5 million.

Simple maths for the sponsors have promise the money so the money is there and it is up to FAS to decide how to 'split it' with no overseer. (I do not think the new S-league CEO will stand up to FAS as they are it real employer not S-league)

Youth development will not be footing the bill

But already we see cost cutting measures where many local Under-age teams cannot travel because FAS refused to foot the bill

Note the difference between Ho and that man era, Ho always found money to foot those bills for National Team and age groups so those who claimed he will continue to fund the Under-15 and Under-16 teams, I will note once the media fade away he will forget these teams like he forget about the rest of the age groups because they have no media attention.

We are not paying FAM money in any kind

Truth is we gave FAM anywhere between RM1million to RM 2.5 million disguised as subsides for their youth team for take note it is an 'exchange program' so why the need to pay FAM

I have no doubt FAS will give in even more in years to come as even now FAS has closed it books to the public. Remember in Ho time, FAS opened it books as Ho wanted to show the public FAS spending but now, FAS has not published it account since 2009; the year the man took over.

GIC and Temasek closed it books because of national issues but what about FAS. Why have the spending on local football gone down so much in the 3 years under him.

PAP do not lie. Not this man as from July to now it barely 100 days and the stories we get are totally different from the ones he delivered back then.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Along with that man, the selection panel that decide the new
S-League CEO includes former minister and FAS president Professor Ho
Peng Kee, president of the Singapore Bowling Federation Jessie Phua and
Singapore Sports Council CEO Lim Teck Yin.

Why is Singapore Sports Council (SSC) and Singapore Bowling Federation (SBF) involved but not a single S-league club.

S-league CEO is to run and represent S-league; which are in the interest of the clubs yet they have no say but bowling and SSC have.

SSC, may I remind them, refused to get itself involved in Singapore Athletic Association (SAA) election over two year ago claiming it has no right as this involved those in the sport and SSC as the overseer can only advise.

Maybe this panel is just meant to select one of their own as frankly I only see government people in there and not a single person from the private sector so how can they attract the man from the private sector they claimed they want to hire.

For if they do not want S-league clubs involved as they lacked the connection to get good men for the job but does this panel have it!

For the S-league CEO will be tasked with getting money from private sector so it is good if he come from there and has the connections like Richard Scudmore, BPL CEO, who before getting that post was a media man.

He clearly know the in and out of media and has been able to use it to his and his company advantage as one thing about the running of BPL is how they 'covered' up the negative news whenever it involved their brand - which even other top European league cannot matched.

The issue about debts of BPL is a good example as Scudmore always claim their debts are 'different' from other European league which have fallen foul of it and somehow BPL always has one group of media willing to defend that as a fact even if not all are not as supportive of it.

This is why Scudmore earn his pay and frankly can the S-league CEO earn that pay which is reportedly S$8k a month.

I will wait to pass judgement (as it is only fair) but I wonder how do we get a good CEO as it is unlikely the panel will have the connection to get men from the sectors Singapore football need.

Now I know why SSC have not issued a statement about the Today article on JBS expansion.

It does not involved them as FAS will be footing the bill on this one as this new Today report tell us it is FAS who is calling for vendors.

Of course this lead to the million dollar question of how come FAS have money now? (After coming out repeatedly to cry they have no money when it time to spend money on local football)

If you ask me, it is more likely there will be no Courts Young Lions in 3 months time as they need the money even more now.

Afterall even if it is a temporary stand it will cost as least a hundred thousand dollars (including maintenance cost as SSC is not going to foot it since they did not build it) and money do not grow on trees, it has to come from somewhere.

The Chinese saying the lamb fur must come from lamb (literally translated) come to mind.

All this for a temporary stand is not worth it as I can see that stand lasting a year or two before it is torn down and during that time, the maintenance cost will be borne not by FAS but by Singapore next generation in turth. (Reason is FAS will cry even louder they have no money now for local football as all of it is either going to FAM, the Malaysia team or JBS)

Etoile FC - TPUFC
I wonder what mental state Etoile is in now. Having lost the semi-final of the Singapore Cup, they are doom to finish empty-handed after last season Double and that is a blow. But they have a season to finish and the least their ultras will expect is that the team is a professional (I think they can agree with that). That mean finishing off the Jaguars. 2-0 to Etoile FC

SAFFC - Tampines Rovers
For such games, I have always say to be on the safe side, it is a draw. But not at this point as a draw only benefit their rivals and a winner may have to emerge. It is not easy as both sides are capable of beating the other on their day so who will be the top dog on the day. At this point, I am willing to go with the home side as 1) they have the advantage of the home pitch and at CCK it is a big advantage 2) The Warriors players are less taxed than the Stags for the Stags have the added responsibility of Asia this year 3) The Warriors main players, other than Daniel Bennett, are not national players while the Stags most important attacker Duric is. This is important as the national players are taxed to the max this quarter and when one hear Lionel Lewis being burn out, one know players are also human. 3-1 to SAFFC

Home United - CYL
8 more games to go and every point count. So it win or bust. The Protectors have no excuse why they cannot get full point as even their second team could take on the Cubs. Also it is not played at the artificial pitch of JBS so that is another plus for them. At the same time, the Cubs have no advantage of a good rest as they battled in Vietnam in the same week Home was playing in the Singapore Cup. Clearly all the advantage are with the home side. 3-0 to Home

Balestier Khalsa - Gombak United
The Bulls are a side capable of finishing in the top half yet they can easily fail to reach that target. This is the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde side of the Bulls. One just do not know if they are mentally prepared for the challenge. Darren Stewart cannot keep hiding behind the undeniable fact they have lost good players over the last two seasons as he has been given his own sweet time to build a side in his own image. He must show he is a good a coach as anybody in the league and for this season, it mean a top half finish. They have the squad to to do that. 3-1 to Gombak

Geylang United - Hougang UnitedThe Eagles have kept the nucleus of the side for a while now and one can see they are ready to reap it reward which is a top half finish once again (4 time in last 5 seasons). It may not seem like much but for Geylang it is only the start of a climb (A very long climb) back to being a force in the S-league. What is clearly handicapping them is the U23 policy as they cannot reap the benefit of their youngsters like in 03 thus they have to go the long way of building a side with players who are not as 'desired' (Khalili D'Cruz etc). It is a tough road to ply. 3-2 to Geylang

TPUFC - CYL
Out of the 10 points the Jaguars won this season, 8 have come from the Cubs and the Rams. This show the Jaguars can take on this two teams as both lacked the killer touch to trouble the Clementi side; who have good foreign recruits. The Jaguars could be collecting their points again from the Cubs again. 2-1 to Jaguars

Hougang United - Balestier Khalsa
The games are coming in thick and fast for Hougang and I am not sure they have the squad to deal with it. After a 3-day rest, they do battle again and this is their 6th games in 22 days. Not even the Big 3 squad will be able to deal with it, in my opinion, let alone Hougang. The Tigers could well take advantage of that. 2-1 to Balestier

Woodlands Wellington - Etoile FC
Can the Stars not win this one? Surely if they cannot do that, we know their mind is gone and that they are cruising towards the end of the season which is not the professional thing to do. They have commented they are a professional side then this is the time to show it. 2-0 to Etoile

Albirex Niigata (S) - Geylang United
A tough game for the White Swans as the Eagles are 1 of the side capable of derailing their title challenge. Indeed the Eagles could have ended the White Swans League Cup dream had they hold out for another few more moment. Since then, the Eagles have got stronger and this time there is no extra-time for Albirex to win full point to continue their challenge. With the Big 3 having games in hand, they can slip up and Albirex can only, at best, catch up with them but if Albirex slip, it could be the end. 2-2 draw

Hougang United - TPUFC
Another game in a crazy month for Hougang and they must have expended all their round by now. The Jaguars must hope so as Hougang is no easy place to visit to win a point or more. But it could well be the case as the Jaguars targets are easy to achieve which is any point gain this season is a win. So they do not need more than a point and I can see doing that. 1-1 draw

Balestier Khalsa - CYL
The Tigers can still climb out of the bottom 3 and they can do that if they beat the Cubs. Surely coach Salim Moin do not hoped his players are happy with their current position and the players proved there is still hunger and desire in them. This is the least expected of them as one is not asking to win anything other than this match so they still can climb out of the bottom 3. It is not asking for the sky. 2-1 to Tigers

Saturday, September 24, 2011

After reaching the League Cup Final and winning it, Albirex Niigata (S) have reached their second Final this year after defeating a stubborn Hougang United 5-4 overall.

The White Swans looked well on their way to the Final in the first leg as they got a two goal in the first period through Norihiro Kawakami, who scored a brace, but the Cheetahs showed the fighting spirit that have accompanied them this season by fighting back.

First Sobrie Mazelan pulled a goal just before the break and then in the second period Syaqir Sulaiman got the Cheetahs back on level term just 10 minutes before the end of the game to break the White Swans heart.

The second leg was no different as Albirex Niigata (S) took the lead in the game through Shotaro Ihata but Hougang United refused to die as the script demanded.

Basit Hamid, who came on as a sub, got the equaliser through an indirect freekick in the last 15 minutes after the Cheetahs had missed a penalty earlier in the game.

Neither side could get the winner in the remaining time thus extra-time was needed.

Yosuke Saito got the White Swans ahead again in that period but once again the Cheetahs came back as Sobrie Mazelan pulled the Cheetahs back on level term with 5 minutes to go.

That was when the Cheetahs make the mistake of the game as with a man advantage, with Albirex top scorer red-carded Shotaro Ihata, they went for the kill and left themselves short at the back.

The White Swans got their winner through a quick counterstrike as Hougang United lost the ball in midfield and with a 3on 3 situation, a pass found Yosuke Saito with space and time to take into the box and fired it into the top corner.

There was no coming back after this as Albirex reached their first ever RHB Singapore Cup Final.

Albirex Niigata (S) charge up the S-league table have been halted by Courts Young Lions.

Before this game, the White Swans have won 11 of their last 12 games - which include rivals like Home United and Etoile FC - to climb up the S-league table but with this 1-1 draw, it give the White Swans rivals a chance to open a gap with both Tampines and Home having two games in hand as well as the leadership of the S-league.

Shahdan Sulaiman had scored for the Cubs while Tatsuro Inui scored for the White Swans.

On the same night while the White Swans stumbled, the Warriors did not as they defeated Balestier Khalsa 3-1 to continue to bite at both Tampines Rovers and Home United feet.

The hero was once again their inspirational Croatian forward Mislav Karoglan as he notched a brace especially the second one which showed his class as he beat several defenders and midfielders on his way to firing in the goal.

Fazrul Nawaz scored the Warriors third goal while Mark McGough reply for the Tigers.

As for the mid-table battle, Gombak United kept up their chances of a top half finish with a 2-1 defeat of Geylang United.

Jeremy Chiang and Chang Jo Yoon got the goals for the Bulls.

For Hougang United, their chances of a top half finish looked slim after their 1-3 defeat against Etoile FC.

Kamel Chaaouane (2) and Sirina Camara scored for the Stars while Noor Ali scored for the Cheetahs.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

That is my belief regarding the story broke out by TODAY on Jalan Besar Stadium expansion.

Frankly I do not want to be negative for the sake of it but in that story there was not a single statement from the most important stakeholder - Singapore Sport Council.

This is important as they will be the one paying the bills for any expansion and unless they confirm it, all that talks is just PR from FAS for just a few days earlier, FAS deny that it has a plan for expanding any stadium.

And this is not the first time I read a story on stadium expansion as let remember just a few months back that man at FAS was in the news (as he always does when he want to give 'good news' but never bad ones as take note the one answering in those are always his men) with Straits Times quoting him as saying talks on Toa Poyah was 'going well' and with Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) 'support', he expect SSC to approve it.

But since then, not a word so we know it is died and buried so that why he has never mention it.

After all, Etoile FC at least has a letter from SSC so they can build a clubhouse but what do you have other than your words (which is not worth much considering your record)

At the same time, he may like to mention Tampines Stadium which is not selected for expansion but rather to be a shopping centre (or Life Hub as called by them) by People Association (PA) and it would have help Singapore football more to know if whether this was happening.

But we know he will never answer this question but to lose Tampines stadium even if JBS is expanded is a loss not a win.

Lastly it is no help to Singapore football to only expand only one stadium just as Esplande is of little help to Singapore Art with them struggling to develop a niche outside the few who really appreciate them.

So it much better if that man get down to real work and answer some really questions like telling everybody if Courts Young Lions will be in S-league or will it be culled so you can steal the money for your Malaysia team and pay FAM as Courts $1million sponsorship is no doubt delicious.

S-league cannot keep waiting for you to have time to deliver the good news so you can get PR as it is nearly a year since you claim you will give S-league more money but you refused to tell anybody if you really have the money.

Etoile FC vs Hougang United
I am not sure the French are in the right frame of mind to play this game. They will be more focus on the Singapore Cup a week later as frankly that represent their best chance of a trophy this season. Of course, this could well be the case for Hougang as well but the difference is expectation as Hougang is already experiencing one of the best season ever so they can go into Singapore Cup with the least pressure. 2-1 to Hougang

Gombak United vs Geylang United
This game will give the winner the best chance to cement a place in the top half. At this point, I think the Eagles have the better chance as they are in the form of the season. They can more than take on Gombak United and defeat them. 3-1 to Geylang

Balestier Khalsa vs SAFFC
The Warriors have hit 14 goals in their last 3 games without reply from the other sides. While for the Tigers, they have not won in their last 5 games and only once in their last 10. This is the form of a side in trouble and meeting the Warriors now looked a forgone result. 3-0 to SAFFC

CYL - Albirex Niigata (S)
Albirex Niigata (S) is the team to win this game and rightly so. Let be honest, the White Swans are fighting for the crown for a reason so they are good. They can defeat the Cubs and I see no reason to see otherwise. 2-0 to Albirex Niigata (S)

TPUFC vs Home United
Home United are suffering because of the WCQ as their best players are called up to the National Team. This is taking a toll on the Bishan side as some of their regulars are playing when half-fit but luckily for this game, the Protectors squad can come into effect as surely their second-stringers can take on the Jaguars and come out with all 3 points. It is the least the squad of Home United are expected or else why will Home United spend so much money to build a squad. 2-0 to Home United

Woodlands Wellington vs Tampines Rovers
The Stags will not mess this up as even without 3 regulars last week and a team hit by the toll of the WCQ, the Stags still found it in itself to defeat the Jaguars. The Rams are, at best, only slightly better than the Jaguars and they will find it hard to take on the the Stags who, now, welcome back their 3 regulars and a team that is better-rested than last week.

Hougang United - CYL
Believed this game will not be as important as the next two one for Hougang. It is the Singapore Cup semi-final so Hougang will surely want their best players to be fit. A draw will then suit both sides as at this point, both sides will be satisfied with their season. 1-1 draw

How to become a Clubhouse Member- Membership is open to persons 18 years old and above.- Membership fees are as follows: 1-year membership: S$10 2-year membership: S$18 3-year membership: S$25- Please produce your IC/Passport/Employment Pass when submitting your application for membership.

Jackpot Room-
Access to and use of the Jackpot Room is strictly restricted by law to
Albirex FC(S) Clubhouse members aged 18 years old and above.- Members must produce their valid membership card to enter the Jackpot Room.

Dress Code- No Shorts(Bermuda and three quarter are OK)- No Slippers- No Singlets- Exercise goers are advised to change from sweaty outfit to clean ones before entering the clubhouse.

To Supporters Club MembersCurrent members of Albirex FC (S) Supporters Club (18 years old and above) will be automatically registered as Albirex FC(S) Clubhouse members, subject to eligibility criteria and management approval.

Please produce your Albirex FC(S) Supporters Club membership pass when you use clubhouse for the first time to be issued the Albirex FC(S) clubhouse membership card.

Etoile chairman Hicham Moudden have the letters of acceptance and approval from Singapore Sports Council (SSC) officials to finalise details on the clubhouse lease when he emerged
from their meeting at SSC headquarters in Kallang.

Moudden said: "We're
just looking over the contract details and hope to sign the lease by the
end of this month.

"Once we have everything ready we will
make an announcement ... and we aim to start renovations before the
start of the 2012 season."

The proposed 30,000 sq ft facility at
Queenstown Stadium featured a restaurant, gym, a sports bar and
roof-top astroturf pitches for small-sided football games.

As the S-league march down to it final 3 months, it looked like a four-horse race has developed as Albrex Niigata (S) and SAFFC closed the gap on duo leaders Tampines Rovers and Home United.

Home United was unable to shake off the effect of the international break as most of their regulars were involved with the national team and not helping, they also missed the services of 16-goal Mendy and defensive midfielder Isa Halim due to suspension.

With the national players also returning half-injured like Lionel Lewis, Qiu Li and Shi JiaYi, it looked like Home is in trouble.

Albirex Niigata (S) took full advantage with their rest squad as they crushed the Protectors 4-0 with goals from Tatsuro Inui, Ryuta Hayashi, Shimpei Sakurada and Kunihiro Yamashita.

A day later, SAFFC also took advanatge as they crushed Woodlands Wellington 7-0 to close the gap to 4-point at the top.

Fazrul Nawaz, Taisuke Akiyoshi (2), Mislav Karoglan (2) and Indra Sahdan were the scorers. One of the goals also include an own goal.

For one other match, Gombak United defeated Courts Young Lions 1-0 at Jalan Besar.

Jung Hee Bong continue to look a different player at Gombak as he notched the winner.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Saw this on Liga Singapura but I do not expect Hougang United to be given a fair verdict by the mass media and as a result, most Singaporean will be accepting of what the mass media write.

I think the comments by civotarum weeks ago in the Kallangroar forum panned this out.

Same type of incident but praises for the Portuguese for going out and attacking a fellow staff on the opposite side.

sports editor? what a joke!

im refering to his article on mourinho on friday's tnp

of course! mourihno is giving spanish football life.. fights and scuffle
are results of passion and desire to win, it makes the game
interesting.. and that is why he gets up at 4am just to watch mourihno's
antics on television..

guys, he has already marked dec 11 and april 22 on his calendar to see more fights between real and barca, he cant wait..

on the other hand, fights or scuffles (from nas vs bennett to yl vs bg
to hougang vs etoile) in sleague is embarassing, disgraceful and
hooliganism. I dont see Mr Murali suggesting that the sleague is
interesting, exciting and competitive due to the fights/scuffle

(personally, i watched some of real vs barca matches in the champs
league and king's cup last season, and find it absolutely
distasteful/disgraceful the behaviour of both sets of players, going
down theatrically. 4-5 players surrounding the referee complaining,
whining and pressuring the referee to hand out a card at every
challange.)

Unfortunately Singapore do not have the type of checks on the media on themselves like the Guardian and the Sun etc.

This is seem by the Shin Min chief editor car incident years ago; with Today claim they were the only one covering the news.

It looked like SPH are not doing their job but do one expect any differently as ultimately, all the other chief editors of other papers (under SPH) will not want to be seem 'attacking' their fellow colleagues in the same company for UK New of the World was not brought down by it own company papers but from outside (It was the expose from Guardian that ended the NOTW)

And Wilkleaks has shown how powerful SPH Singapore editors are (And I have always commented that SPH sport editors are not as weak as some believed and that why the likes of ex-SPH man like Jeffery Low etc were so powerful) for let not forget SPH do control over 90% of Singapore mass print media which ultimately most Singaporean still get their news.

That why the likes of TNP sport editor S Murali can be so biased without any fear as Straits Times will not say anything as they are from the same company while TODAY is a portion owned by SPH.

And he has openly showed it as he has basically told the world he will support the Malaysian project while continuing to neglect S-league which they will only report negative news about.

The proof from civotarum again as quoted in the sport editor own words.

And here is a promise: From this day on, The New Paper will be your Malaysia Cup guide.

We will bring you all the stories that matter, all the colour, all the goals, all the passion.

Just like in years past, we will leave no stone unturned in our quest to
give unrivalled coverage of the tournament that should grip the
attention of the nation.

Has Mr S Murali promised such help?

I believed the answers are out there already with the different treatment.

Ex. TNP is printing the Roars papers but Mr S Murali as the main man of TNP sport section has not written in it.

Surely there is no excuse as how can the main man of the paper not have a section in it other than the fact he does not want to do it and the Roars was done only for the sake of doing it.